[Intensity of the production of rheumatoid factor in patients with different degrees of sensitization to Borrelia garinii antigens]

The content of rheumatoid factor and the levels of IgA, IgM, IgG in patients with different degrees of sensitization to Borrelia garinii antigens were studied. The titer of rheumatoid factor was found to increase in accordance with the growth of the levels of anti-Borrelia antibodies. A rise in the concentration of serum immunoglobulins simultaneously with the development of Borrelia infection was registered. The mechanisms of autoimmunization are discussed, taking into account the known biological properties of the causative agent of Lyme disease.

[Intensity of the production of rheumatoid factor in patients with different degree of sensitization to Borrelia garinii antigens]

The content of rheumatoid factor and serum IgA, IgM and IgG in patients with different degree of sensitization to B. garinii antigens is evaluated. An increase in the titer of rheumatoid factor in patients with a high content of antibodies to Borrelia was established. In addition, an increased concentration of serum immunoglobulins in the presence of Borrelia infection was registered. The mechanisms of autoimmune reactions are discussed, proceeding from the biological properties of the causative agent of Lyme disease.

[Increase of the heart arrhythmogenic resistance and decrease of the myocardial necrosis zone during activation of cannabinoid receptors]

We have found that intravenous administration of cannabinoid receptor (CB) agonist HU-210 (0.05 mg/kg), increases cardiac resistance against arrhythmogenic effect of epinephrine, aconitine, coronary artery occlusion and reperfusion in rats. Pretreatment with CB2-receptor antagonist, SR144528 (1 mg/kg), completely abolished the antiarrhythmic effect of HU-210. However this effect of HU-210 was not attenuated by pretreatment with CB1-receptor antagonist, SR141716A (3 mg/kg). We also found that HU-210 (0.05 mg/kg) decreased the relationship between infarction size and area of ischemia. It is concluded that CB2 receptor stimulation promotes an increase in the cardiac resistance against arrhythmogenic influences and probably increases myocardial tolerance of both ischemic and reperfusion damages in rats.

Endogenous cannabinoids improve myocardial resistance to arrhythmogenic effects of coronary occlusion and reperfusion: a possible mechanism

Stimulation of cannabinoid receptors with endogenous cannabinoid anandamide and its enzyme-resistant analogue R-(+)-methanandamide improved cardiac resistance to arrhythmias induced by coronary occlusion and reperfusion. This antiarrhythmic effect was not associated with activation of NO synthase, since pretreatment with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester had no effect on the incidence of ischemia/reperfusion-induced arrhythmias. Blockade of ATP-dependent K+ channels with glybenclamide did not abolish the antiarrhythmic effect of R-(+)-methanandamide. Antiarrhythmic activity of endogenous cannabinoids is probably associated with their direct effects on the myocardium.